New Evidence Revealed in 1996 Fresno Murder of Debbie Dorian

UPDATE: ABC’s Juju Chang has uncovered shocking new details in the 1996 murder of Debbie Dorian, a case that haunted Fresno, California for nearly three decades. In an upcoming episode of 20/20, airing on Friday, Chang reveals never-before-seen evidence that could change the narrative of this chilling cold case.

Debbie Dorian, just 22 years old and a recent graduate of Fresno State, was found dead in her northeast Fresno apartment by her father. The investigation into her murder went cold for a staggering 23 years before authorities finally arrested Nickey Stane, the man responsible for her death.

Investigators, including retired officer Vince Zavala, tirelessly pursued leads over the years. “Even after he retired from Fresno law enforcement, he stayed on unpaid to continue to follow leads,” Chang reported. Zavala’s dedication culminated in the arrest of Stane, with exclusive body-cam footage showing the intense moment police confronted him at a fast-food restaurant where he worked.

“It was a fascinating cat and mouse game that was going on from the very moment that Vince made contact with him all the way through the interrogations,” Chang stated.

As police closed in on Stane, he attempted to mislead investigators one last time. Viewers will hear Stane’s desperate attempts to evade capture in the gripping episode. The narrative unfolds with Zavala’s relentless pursuit and the eventual breakthrough that led to Stane’s confession.

In addition to Dorian’s story, Chang introduces a survivor of Stane’s subsequent assaults, known only as Jane Doe #1, who reveals her identity for the first time. Her harrowing experience sheds light on the broader impact of Stane’s crimes. “Survivor is exactly the right word, given how incredibly feisty she was,” Chang emphasized, recounting the moment when Jane confronted her attacker with bravery.

With Stane now serving a life sentence at the California Medical Facility due to his age, Friday’s episode of 20/20 aims to honor Debbie Dorian and the many affected by her tragic murder. “We get a chance to remember how she lived, which is a tribute to all the storytelling that we do here at 20/20,” Chang concluded.

As the episode airs, viewers will witness not only the closure for Dorian’s family but also the resilience of those who survived Stane’s horrific actions. The emotional weight of these revelations is sure to resonate deeply within the community and beyond.

Stay tuned for this compelling episode of 20/20 which promises to shed new light on a long-buried tragedy, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice and the enduring strength of survivors.